Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2007)
APRIL 1,2007 Smoke Signals 7 the best, and then another event comes along that's even better. We do funerals, pow-wow's, and dedications, but this one was re ally impressive. Not just because of the military people, but because of the students and the respect they gave to the entrance of the Veterans. They were standing up and saluting the flag and holding their hands over their heart. They were being so quiet when other people were talking. That was really impressive." "You don't always get to see that side of the students. They really did get that this was important, fluke said. "It was truly a pleasure to see that." During the cer emony, the Day ton choir and band gave exceptional performances, and various veterans provided the stu dents with some words of wisdom. Alex Jefferson, World War II Tuskegee Airman, Fighter Pilot and POW, spoke to the students about the cost of freedom, and about getting an education to keep up with the technology of today and having the ability to step up and support our country if needed. "Freedom was not free," said Jefferson. He talked about the sacrifices many soldiers made with their lives to ensure that Americans could continue to live the lives they know today. After the ceremony, the students were dismissed to line the halls for the "Walk of Remembrance" and give the Veterans a proper farewell. As the Veterans walked through the halls towards the exit they received much applause, handshakes, and gratitude from the students and faculty. "I thought it was pretty amazing to actually see these people and hear what they went through. I've only heard and read about them before," said 17-year-old Nick Olheiser. "It meant a lot to me to be part of this. It made me realize that we don't re member them enough for what they went through to make the world what it is today. We should honor them more often and remember the sacrifices they made." "My favorite part of the day was the assembly and the presenting of the colors ... It was just amazing," said 16-year-old Patty Vazequez. "It made me feel really good be cause many schools don't do this, and maybe they just don't get a chance, but I loved it. I was just re ally happy to be a part of something that most people probably won't ever do." n At right, the Grand Ronde Honor Guard retires the colors at Dayton High School. Below, Marshal Tall-Eagle Serna, Grand Ronde Honor Guard jokingly swears in Veterans to serve in war if needed. Photos by Angie Sears f"S,'Q&D i- mill "" i mi'Vf ilf n , , . m:..- ..defl"... . I 4 ll t ' ? - , ... -ij i'"'' 1 I .u!vi-.., iA F H 'i I,1': " ""i . jr.
